Today we had the privilege of having Iowa Public Television #IPTV come into our two elementary buildings at Griswold Community Schools and watch magic happen. This magic wasn't done by a magician, or someone with a magic cape (although Dan did bring his cape). It was done by a regular, everyday person named Dan Wardell.
Never have I had the privilege of seeing one of Dan's shows but I'm glad the opportunity finally presented itself. For the kids, they are going to remember his ability to relate to them, his ability to engage them, make them laugh and get up and move. Hopefully they remember his message of turning off our TVs, video games and computers and instead how important it is to get outside and play, eat healthy and finding a way to read 20 minutes a night.
For our teaching staff, I know they all made connections to his time with us in different ways. Some saw how we can "all have fun and learn simultaneously", "positive things bring positive results" and others noted how "it's OK to let lose and enjoy the moment." With that said..... I'm also wondering if they made a connection to my incredibly horrific dance moves (if we can call them that), my lack of singing voice and how that sometimes you never know what you're getting yourself in to.
Most importantly I hope they understand how Dan completely walked into a strange room, with kids he has never met before and owned it. Flat out, completely took over. How did Dan do this? Because he praised them. Every chance he got he thanked a kid for their work, he built them up and made them feel like what they were doing was the right way to do it, the only way to do it. He got a group of 5th graders sitting in the very back of the room trying everything in their power to stay completely undetected to fully buy in, to believe in his message.
He reminded me that when you make the conversation about strengths and positives kids will take risks. Those kids will take those risks so we as educators can correct and teach, which simply put is the reason we show up each and every day.
